Dietetic technician job description

The Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) works under the supervision of the Registered Dietitian (RD) and contributes to the quality of care by providing assistance to the RD's and ensuring that patients receive appropriate meals and support in the dining room.

Hours/Shift: Part Time
Primary responsibilities include:

* Accepting meals from the food service company in the morning and checking/logging temperatures.
* Assist in dining room organization and functioning.
* Assisting in meal set up and menu corrections for breakfast and lunch.
* Providing support and meal coaching to patients struggling with eating disorders.
* Ensuring that patients complete menus and provide support and education to patients during menu completion process.
* Correcting patient menus according to meal plan.
* Ordering meals on a daily basis to the food service company for delivery the next day.
* Monitoring and ordering par stock on a daily basis.
* Maintaining an organized log system of any issues/concerns that staff and/or patients may have with food service and addressing issues/concerns with Coordinator of Nutrition Services and Assistant VP Patient Care Services.
* Working with the Quality Department on quality improvement efforts that are recommended and/or required.
* Serving as the liaison between Walden and the food service company.
* Collaboration with the RD and assisting in patient care as needed.
* Use of meal plan ordering by use of technology and interface with ABM and DFM services.

Education:

* Completion of a Dietetic Technician or related training program approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
* Dietetic Technician, Registered preferred.

Experience:

* 1 year work experience, preferably in a hospital setting.

Licensure/Certification:

* CPR certification

Required competencies:

* Communication skills, both verbal and written
* Organizational, interpersonal and customer service skills
* Attention to detail and ability to prioritize independently
* Ability to multitask and function well in a fast paced mental health environment

Supervision Received:

* Reports to the Director of Clinical Nutrition Services
* Weekly supervision with Registered Dietitian

Environmental Conditions:

* General hospital environment.

About Walden Behavioral Care. Walden Behavioral Care is a rapidly-growing, national mental healthcare system specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and mental health conditions. We are one of the only organizations in the country to welcome individuals of all ages and all genders at all levels of care. Since 2003, we have helped more than 20,000 individuals progress in their path to healing. With 15 locations and more than 450 dedicated care professionals across Connecticut, Massachusetts and in Georgia, we are committed to changing lives, one person at a time. Using evidence-based treatment, proven to support long-term recovery, we are passionate about providing all individuals with the specialized care they need and deserve.

At Walden we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, where we celebrate our employees, our patients and the communities we work with. In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique contributions only you can bring in terms of your education, culture, opinions, experience and background. Join us and find out how you can make a difference today.

At Walden all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.

How to Apply

A cover letter is NOT required for consideration.

Summary

Dietetic Technician position, within the department of Patient Food and Nutrition Services, that is dedicated to supporting patients, departmental staff members and allied health professionals. This position is responsible for reinforcing a positive image of the Health System to all customers. They use information systems and customer service skills to facilitate customer interactions such that the customer experiences the Health System as an accessible, coordinated and seamless entity.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

* Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
* 2:1 Match on retirement savings.

Responsibilities*

* Responds to a high volume of room service patient telephone requests; enters selections into CBORD software program

* Communicates with nursing, dietitians, and food service staff in regards to the patient's room service experience

* Utilize CBORD and MiChart computer systems to verify diet order and allergy information

* Answers telephone inquiries from food service workers regarding patient diet and allergy information/requests

* Receives complex questions and problems from peers and troubleshoot issues as they arise

* Process and order all meal orders for patient in outpatient areas via email

* Educates patients on a predetermined list of food/drug interactions at bedside, documents result of educational session in MiChart.

* Generates report for patients on long acting insulin to ensure a meal is ordered for adequate glucose management

Required Qualifications*

* Associate degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience in the healthcare industry, dietetics or management. Equivalent education and experience may include one (1) year of employment as call center level P3 and successful completion of an established nutrition education program within the department.

* Some dietary experience including nutrient and caloric counts and exchanges in a patient care setting isdesirable.

* Reasonable knowledge of nutrient and caloric composition of foods is desirable.

* Must possess basic computer skills and the ability to learn new computer applications. Proficient in utilization of email systems.

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Able to exhibit a professional and positive image when interacting with patients, departmental staff members and allied health professionals. Able to function as a team member with flexibility in a changing and challenging work environment. Able to work in a self-directed manner.

* Able to lift 15 pounds and walk a considerable distance.

Desired Qualifications*

* Bachelor Degree in Dietetics or related field.
* Work or volunteer experience related to healthcare and/or dietetics.
* Demonstrated ability of strong problem-solving skills.
* Experience working with MiChart and CBORD software.

Work Schedule

Standard hours:40 hours

Work days: vary, 5 days a week, following a 3 week rotation

Shift start/end times: 1pm-930pm

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible

**An Opportunity to Join our Remarkable Care Team!**

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, one of the nation's top health care services providers, spanning five counties in Southeastern Michigan. SJMHS represents more than 2,700 physicians and 14,000 nurses and staff, and includes 5 Hospitals, 5 Outpatient Health Centers, 8 Urgent Care Facilities and over 25 Specialty Centers.

SJMHS is part of Trinity Health a national Catholic health system with an enduring legacy and a steadfast mission to be a transforming and healing presence within the communities we serve.

As a mission-driven innovative health organization, we will become the national leader in improving the health of our communities and each person we serve. We will be the most trusted health partner for life. Our Core Values, Reverence, Commitment to the Poor, Justice, Stewardship, and Integrity guide our behaviors to help us achieve our Vision.

**POSITION PURPOSE**

Assumes responsibility for collection of food preferences and menus. Acts as the department guest relations representative-resolving concerns of patients.

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

+ Discusses menus with patients and families offering consultation in selection of food items and guidance regarding menu selection, based on nutritional needs and diet prescriptions.

+ Works with clinical dietitian-food service to resolve food/menu problems and provide special requests of patients.

+ Responds to/resolves all concerns and requests of patients regarding food service...may deliver meals to patients.

+ Communicates with portable telephones to assure all patients' meal service needs are met.

+ Considers age specific; developmental and cultural needs when interviewing patients to obtain nutritional history information, including food habits and preferences. Collaborates with clinical nutrition as needed.

+ Has functional knowledge of supplement composition and indications for use with specific disease states. Note: would not order supplements.

+ Acts as liaison between clinical nutrition and food service department.

+ Acts as liaison between food service and nursing staff.

+ Understands and explains to patients the nutritional value of menu items including fluid amount and carbohydrate exchanges.

+ Maintains the patient diet record in the food service computer system. Maintains and updates the patient card file to reflect accurate diet order information from the medical record, including supplements and caloric counts.

+ Utilizes food service computer to print menus, supplement labels, reports and food production tallies.

+ Modifies patient selections to meet fluid and carbohydrate choice needs.

+ Collects selected patients' menus and prepares them for inputting.

+ Performs various clerical duties such as answering phones, collecting data, tallying and record keeping.

+ Assure delivery of "late" trays/items to patients.

+ Take food service supplies (as needed) to patient rooms / outpatient clinics.

+ May be asked to prepare simple foods like sandwiches/salads.

+ Delivery of assigned snack items to patients.

+ Interacts with nursing personnel and other members of the health care team in resolving patients' dietary problems/concerns.

+ Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.

+ Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, associates, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Health System. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places.

+ Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of SJMHS.

+ Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

+ Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

+ High school diploma and 2 years higher education or equivalent experience in dietetics, business, science, or a closely related field.

+ Six months previous work experience in patient relations, office/ clerical, or related field. Patient nutrition software (CBORD) and/or healthcare food service experience is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 50% of work time.

Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with staff and other department personnel and patients.

_This document is intended to describe the generalized duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements or reflect any accommodations made under the American's with Disability Act, the Michigan Handicapper's Act, or SJMHS's Return to Work Program_

**Why this position -- What can it do for you!**

+ Located in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Michigan with easy access to US-23, M-14, and I-94.

+ Full benefits package

+ Medical

+ Dental

+ Vision

+ Paid Time Off

+ Retirement Savings Plan with employer contribution option

+ Tuition Reimbursement

+ Life Insurance

+ Short/Long Term Disability

+ Opportunity for growth and advancement throughout Trinity Health in 22 different states!

+ Free close proximity parking!

+ For more information regarding career opportunities with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System please visit www.stjoeshealth.org/careers .

Successful candidate will be subject to mandatory vaccinations/immunizations unless they qualify for an available exemption.

This document is intended to describe the generalized duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements or reflect any accommodations made under the American's with Disability Act, the Michigan Handicapper's Act, or SJMHS's Return to Work Program.

**Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion**

Trinity Health is a family of 115,000 colleagues and nearly 26,000 physicians and clinicians across 25 states. Because we serve diverse populations, our colleagues are trained to recognize the cultural beliefs, values, traditions, language preferences, and health practices of the communities that we serve and to apply that knowledge to produce positive health outcomes. We also recognize that each of us has a different way of thinking and perceiving our world and that these differences often lead to innovative solutions.

Our dedication to diversity includes a unified workforce (through training and education, recruitment, retention, and development), commitment and accountability, communication, community partnerships, and supplier diversity.